site.btaGerman Finance Minister: Bulgaria's Efforts to Join Eurozone Are Appreciated

German Federal Minister of Finance Christian Lindner told BTA here on Thursday that his country appreciates Bulgaria's efforts on its way to the euro area. Lindner is in Marrakech for the 2023 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund.

Lindner pointed out that Bulgaria's potential joining the euro area involves a convergence report by the European Central Bank, which is expected in the spring of 2024, as well as covering various criteria, which would not allow him to comment on specific details, however, he confirmed that Germany is aware of Bulgaria's progress.

Asked to comment on the allegations that Germany is becoming the "sick man of Europe" as far as the European economy is concerned, as well as on the IMF's downwardly revised assessments of the German economy, Lindner said that Germany has the potential to reverse the negative trend. German economy is strong and has good foundations. The Minister pointed out that his country is striving to improve the conditions for doing business there, which should lead to higher growth rates and low inflation rates within two years.

Speaking to BTA on Bulgaria's eurozone membership procedure, Alfred Kammer, director of the IMF's European Department, said he was encouraged by Bulgaria's efforts to join the area. Kammer said that Bulgaria's membership would benefit the public and businesses in Bulgaria.